Two roads diverged in a wood, and I
Robert Frost
I took the one less traveled by
Fr Christopher Bugeja, a 40-year-old priest, was ordained in 2020. Before embarking on his path to priesthood, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies (Hons.) and Psychology. He furthered his education with a Master of Science in Science Communication at the University of the West of England, Bristol (UK), becoming the first Maltese person qualified in this field.
Fr Christopher boasts extensive experience in radio and television, both in Malta and internationally, covering technical, production, and presenting roles. He also served as the Technical and IT Director at Radju Marija Malta for several years.
Science is the lens through which Fr Christopher views the world. He believes that science enhances his appreciation of God’s creation and love in a tangible way, elevating his thoughts from the worldly towards the divine. He perceives no conflict between science and faith, and passionately shares his love for science with others.
Volunteering always featured strongly in Fr Christopher’s life from his childhood. In 2017, Fr Christopher visited Peru, spending a month in Arequipa assisting the priests of the Missionary Society of St Paul, and an additional six months in Iquitos, aiding Fr Raymond Portelli. This experience profoundly impacted him, altering his perspective on the world. It was truly life-changing.
The environmental aspect was significant for Fr Christopher. Iquitos, a small island in the Amazon Rainforest, exposed him to the region’s rich biodiversity. The flora and fauna of the rainforest vividly illustrated God’s creativity and love, as well as humanity’s impact on the environment.
The human experience was equally transformative. Helping others, despite its challenges, changes both the helper and those being helped. This experience allowed Fr Christopher to reconnect with his human roots, free from the luxuries and distractions of everyday life in Malta. Working with people who had different lifestyles, cultures, languages, and outlooks on life taught him invaluable lessons.
Fr Christopher’s desire to help others experience such a missionary journey led to the inception of this expedition.